This image released by A24 shows Robert Pattinson, left, and Zendaya in a scene from “The Drama.” **(A24 via AP)**

REVIEW | SPOILERS AHEAD: “The Drama”

Directed by Kristoffer Borgli and starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, “The Drama” has generated widespread discussion among audiences and critics alike. Since its debut on April 3, 2026, the film has been described as both thought-provoking and controversial.

The movie follows fiancés Emma and Charlie, whose wedding is just one week away at the start of the story. Leading up to the big day, their relationship begins to unravel after an unexpected revelation at the dinner table.

Blending elements of psychological drama, dark comedy and light romance, “The Drama” explores how a single moment can reshape trust and perception within a relationship.

The majority of the film focuses on the characteristics of both Emma and Charlie, with critics unpacking their differing emotions, psychological states and actions. Zendaya’s character, Emma, is emotionally layered and complex, while Pattinson’s Charlie seems more reserved, though his internal conflict intensifies.

“I thought that both characters seemed to be outcasts, so I left the movie unsure if their dark flaws redeemed or defined them,” said Alise Dixon ’27, a fan of both actors. “I could not decide if I wanted to root for them or not, as their characters are so complex.”

Beyond the performances of these two actors, the film has drawn attention for its stylistic choices. Borgli heavily blends tension with humor in many scenes, creating both discomfort and joy in the audience’s reactions.

This image released by A24 shows promotional art for the film “The Drama.” **(A24 via AP)**

“In my opinion, the movie used both humor and intensity well in certain scenes and helped with some of the discomfort about the more serious topics the movie brought up,” said Advaitha Ekkirala ’27, who watched the film the day of its release. “It was always something more unexpected that helped relieve the tension overall and make the movie as a whole even just slightly more digestible.”

Similar to its combination of intensity and humor, “The Drama” has faced mixed reviews from a wide variety of audience members. Some critics have argued that the film does not fully develop its theme or characters, while others have questioned its approach to real-world elements.

Many professional film critics have expressed strong opinions about the movie.

“Zendaya and Pattinson are both enjoyable to watch, but she’s given too little to do and he’s given too much,” said Manohla Dargis in her New York Times article.

“‘The Drama’ asks questions I’m not sure I have the answer to. And that makes me uncomfortable,” said Clarisse Loughrey, chief film critic at The Independent. “It makes me feel exposed and challenged. It also makes me want to talk about it with every person I meet. And if that’s not the point of art, then what is?”

In addition to the differing reviews of “The Drama” overall, many have questioned whether the ending of the film was satisfying.

When discussing their post-wedding plans prior to the event, the couple agrees to meet at their favorite diner down the street. Even after the wedding falls apart, the two still find each other at a booth.

“It was an ending where you didn’t really know it was the end of the movie,” said Kira Whetstone ’27. “It left me partly curious but partly unsatisfied as to what the message they wanted us to take away was.”

Despite its mixed reviews, “The Drama” ultimately centers on the unresolved tensions between Emma and Charlie. Their final meeting at the diner offers no clear resolution, instead reinforcing the ambiguity Whetstone describes. The film closes without a definitive message, leaving audiences to interpret whether trust can truly be rebuilt — and whether the lack of answers is itself the point.